When it comes to losing weight, most Americans are impatient,
seeking to shed pounds as quickly as possible. But many traditional
diet and exercise plans often lead to disappointment and
frustration – and can even make you less healthy.

The problem may stem from the fact that basically every diet
tells us we need to lose weight. But for most people, it’s more
important to focus on ways to accelerate fat loss, rather than
weight loss.

“Many conventional diets and popular exercise routines can
actually make you fatter and more frustrated,” said Dian Griesel,
co-author with her brother, Tom Griesel, of the diet and fitness
book “TurboCharged.” “The only thing any of us wants to lose is
excess body fat, not our bones, muscle, water or other essentials.
Yet, these are what typically deteriorate or are lost in most diets
focused on ‘weight’ loss.”

The problem starts with how we are all told to measure success.
A standard weight measuring scale gives little information. Someone
can actually be very lean with a well-hydrated and muscular body,
yet they may weigh in at a higher number than someone of the same
height who is actually fatter. After all, muscle is denser than
fat.

“Throw away your traditional scale,” said Tom Griesel. “The only
relevant measurement is your body fat percentage. This can be
easily calculated with a neck and waist measurement for men, and
neck, waist and hip measurements for women.”

Interestingly, even if you are not overweight, a waist
measurement of over 33 inches, regardless of your weight, increases
health risks like cardiovascular disease.

A healthy lean male should have a body fat percentage in the 8
to 18 percent range, and a healthy female between 16 and 24
percent. The younger you are, the lower the acceptable healthy
range.

To find out your body fat percentage, enter your measurements
into the free body fat calculator designed by the U.S. Navy,
available at www.turbocharged.us.com.

The primary reason for excess fat is often improper diet along
and a lack of activity. Stress complicates things further by
triggering release of the hormone cortisol, that causes the liver
to produce excess sugar. The excess sugar triggers hunger, so we’re
more likely to eat more when stressed and, as a result, gain more
fat.

Walking is a great way to reduce fat and improve your overall
health, but so is cleaning your home, chasing your kids, washing
your car or gardening. Activity is activity, whether you call it
exercise, running errands or having fun.

The most important thing is that you put together a plan that’s
best for you – one that helps you lose fat, not muscle, while
living a fuller, more active life.

What’s your body fat?

To find out your body fat percentage, enter your measurements
into the free body fat calculator designed by the U.S. Navy,
available at www.turbocharged.us.com.